Good Teeth: They Don't Have to Be in Your Genes

You are probably never going to be photographed more than you are on your wedding day. In order to make sure your photographs are something you cherish, you need to make sure that you take control of your appearance. Discolored teeth in your otherwise beautiful smile can detract from your enjoyment of having your picture taken. Here are three strategies to help you have a white smile at your wedding.

Try home remedies for whitening such as oil pulling or baking soda brushing.

Home remedies can help to whiten your teeth. Oil pulling, which consists of swishing a tablespoon of coconut or olive oil around in your mouth, has been around for years and has recently become popular once again. Oil pulling with coconut oil may be especially beneficial for your oral health and help to whiten your teeth due to its lauric acid content. Lauric acid has antimicrobial properties that help to prevent tooth decay. You may also want to try to make a paste out of water and baking soda. Like toothpaste, baking soda paste is abrasive and helps to remove plaque and debris from your teeth.

Talk to your dentist about photo bleaching.

Your dentist can help you ensure that you have the sparkling white smile you have dreamed of having in your wedding photos. While it is important to visit your dentist twice a year for regular cleanings and checkups, your dentist can also help you to whiten your teeth quickly. In-office whitening, sometimes called photo bleaching, occurs during a single appointment at your dentist's office. The dentist applies a gel to your teeth and puts a lamp in front of your mouth. The gel contains an active ingredient, usually hydrogen peroxide, which acts as the whitening agent. Once the gel is activated, your teeth are whitened by several shades. This is a quick way to get white teeth for your wedding day.

Moderate your intake of dark beverages.

Red wine and coffee help to fuel your wedding planning days; however, they are not so kind to your teeth. These dark beverages contain highly pigmented particles called chromogens. These particles easily attach to your porous tooth enamel and create discoloration. You should cut down on your intake of these drinks to help keep your teeth nice and white. When you do decide to drink them, make sure it is through a straw. This allows you to enjoy the flavor without letting the liquid come into contact with your teeth.

For more information, contact a business like Preferred Family Dental.